Not always! Some types of home improvement — like small rear extensions or certain types of loft conversions — fall under something called Permitted Development Rights. That means you might be able to go ahead without applying for full planning permission from the council.

BUT (and this is where it gets tricky)... not all properties qualify. If your home is in a conservation area, a flat, a listed building, or if past extensions have used up your allowances — you’ll probably need permission. That’s why we always start with a full check of your property status, planning history, and location regulations.

We’ll never let you make the wrong move — we’ll tell you upfront what’s needed, and whether a full Planning Permission or a Lawful Development Certificate is the best route.

Most full planning applications take around 8 weeks to be processed once submitted. If your project is in a conservation area or involves a listed building, it could take longer — sometimes up to 12 weeks depending on the complexity.

What takes time isn’t just the council review — it’s making sure everything’s correct before submission. That’s where we really help. We handle all the architectural drawings, planning documents, and justification statements, so nothing gets missed and you don’t lose weeks going back and forth.

Bonus tip: we also monitor your application status and keep in contact with your planning officer throughout the process, so you're always in the loop.

First — don’t panic. A refusal isn’t the end of the road. We’ll carefully review the decision, speak with the council if needed, and work out whether it’s best to revise the design and resubmit or go through a planning appeal.

Sometimes, minor tweaks (like adjusting the roof height or materials) are all that’s needed to get the green light. And if we think the decision was unfair, we can support you through a formal appeal — something we’ve done successfully for clients across W4, Brentford, and Ealing.

The key is experience — we know what councils want to see, and we know how to present your project in the best possible light.

Yes — and we love the challenge! These types of properties usually come with stricter planning rules, especially across areas like Turnham Green, Bedford Park, and Kew where character and streetscape really matter.

We’ve worked on Grade II-listed Georgian homes, Victorian conversions, and modern flats in serviced buildings, guiding clients through extra layers of planning and heritage requirements.

We’ll make sure your designs are sensitive to the building’s character while still giving you the space, light, or layout you’re after. Our team prepares Heritage Statements, Conservation Design Reports, and everything else the council needs to see.

Great question — these two terms get confused all the time.

Planning Permission is formal approval from your local council (like Hounslow or Ealing) for a specific design or development.

Permitted Development (PD) is a set of national rules that allow certain works (like basic lofts or small extensions) to go ahead without applying — but only if your project ticks all the right boxes.

You still need architectural drawings, and we strongly recommend applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development to prove your works are legal under PD rules. This protects you when selling your home later — buyers and solicitors always ask for it.

So whether you’re building under PD or need full permission, we’ll tell you clearly and get everything handled for you.

Absolutely. We regularly support clients with retail, office, or mixed-use planning applications — especially across Chiswick High Road, Bollo Lane, and the Acton–Gunnersbury corridor.

From change of use applications to shopfront redesigns, coworking space conversions, and unit reconfigurations, we help commercial owners navigate the planning process with minimal disruption to their business.

We understand what commercial tenants need — like broadband planning, DDA-compliant access, and flexible workspace zoning — and we design with that in mind from the start.